About the Logo - "The Hansa"

The actual logo design came from an Airline TV advertisement which showed a swan in slow motion flight, its head stationary with the neck undulating in a subtle wave as its wings powered it along.

The simplest explanation for its origin is the bird is a swan, and a swan in Sanskrit is a Hansa. Influence can be seen in Indonesian and Malay languages where a Goose (or a swan) is an Angsah. Sanskrit is actually the language of the ancient white Aryan race who once dominated central Asia, and German philosophers have often derived inspiration from its traditions. One honourable legacy of this is the great world airline, Lufthansa...

Patron for S4e

We are pleased to announce that His Excellency General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retd), Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, has accepted Patronage of the Sailing for Everyone Foundation.

Sailing for Everyone Foundation (formerly the Access Dinghy Foundation) has had a connection with the Office of the Governor-General since 1998 when Sir William Deane AC, KBE became ADF's first Official Patron...

The Inclusive Sailing Concept

Sailing is a sport, or recreation that is declining in popularity due in part to its complexity, its perceived elite-ness, and the poor way it is promoted in a crowded marketplace. This is compounded by the entry level craft recommended and used by the peak global sailing bodies being pitched too high:

Skills required to sail them are too high.

Movement of bodyweight is necessary to prevent a capsize.

The steering is by a back to front tiller which turns the boat in opposite direction to where you expect to go.

This results in over complication which leads to capsize and dunking which scare away many more newcomers than it attracts.

“Disability is God given, Handicap is man made”

There cannot be full inclusion without utilising the principles of Universal Design… But what is Universal Design?

Universal Design is a worldwide movement based on the concept that all products, environments and communications should be designed to consider the needs of the widest possible array of users. Universal Design is also known around the world as “design for all”, “inclusive design” and “lifespan design”...

Remarks

The excitement is infectious when reading people's comments about Hansa Dinghies and the difference they are making to the lives of thousands of people around the world.

The sailing was tranquil and relaxing the first time we were taken out by one of the helpers. The second time was my first time solo and a great learning curve and adrenalin rush all rolled into one. A great experience that I will definitely try again and again.

Keith - first time sailor, Gloucester, UK

One particular aspect of activities which is always inspiring is the wonderful stories, smiles and happy tears of those involved. So many hearts have been touched. The success lies in the physical and emotional experiences that sailing fosters.

I believe that whenever one is doing something connected with Hansa boats, one is somehow linked to a 'higher source'. This energy is so pure it is no surprise that our network is growing worldwide!

Timothy Hone - Orange, New South Wales, Australia

There's a rhythm to the wind and waves that stays with me for hours after I return my craft to its berth, and my body to the wheelchair.

Zoltan Pegan, Hungary

Tell Chris that boats are excellent, made carefully and with love. The boats are a success. We have junior students every weekend. Congratulations to you for the very beautiful work, spread them around the world. Thank you.